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Video: Stars lead cheers for Claire at finish

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Paralysed fund-raiser Claire Lomas celebrated another awe-inspiring triumph as she completed her 400-mile cycle ride.

Celebrities and cheering children welcomed Claire over the finishing line in London yesterday as she finished her 22-day trip on a hand-powered bicycle.

Personalities who joined in the celebratory last leg of the ride included former Spice Girl Mel C and TV presenters Dan Lobb and Helen Fospero.

At the London Eye, where she ended the journey, Claire posed with supporters including Gary Lineker and newsreader Julie Etchingham.

Claire, of Eye Kettleby, said: "It was amazing getting to the end and I had huge support on the last day with Mel, Gary and Helen, as well as Dan, who was cycling on my spare bike.

"There were lots of people at the finish, including children from lots of schools I'd visited.

"About 13 students from Brockington College, in Enderby, came down especially, having already done amazing fund-raising for me.

"It was lovely seeing them."

The aims of Claire's trip were to raise as much cash as possible for Spinal Research, while inspiring people along the way.

So far, her fund-raising tally stands at more than £73,000.

Claire visited more than a dozen schools during her journey, demonstrating her bike and a robotic suit similar to the one in which she completed the London Marathon over 17 days last year.

Claire became ill at the end of her second week on the road, but carried on regardless.

She said: "I got pretty poorly with a bad cold and I really struggled to get better because I was constantly pushing my body to its limits.

"I'm still a bit bunged up but I'm glad I pushed on and made it."

After cycling the last leg through London, celebrities went on Twitter to congratulate Claire.

The office of Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: "Congrats @claire80lomas who completes her hand cycle around Britain today for @SpinalResearch & @TNSIF #clairescycle."

Mel C tweeted: "You did it. You are amazing. I am in total awe of you. What we doing next?"

Claire said her plans for the next few months were to carry on at a slightly slower pace.

She said: "After I finished we were all joking about what I'd be doing next after the marathon and then this.

"I've got lots of talks and after-dinner things booked up and that will keep me busy for a while."

Claire set off from Nottingham on April 22, accompanied by dozens of Nottingham Trent University students for the first couple of miles.

Her trip has taken her to Leicester, Peterborough, Huntingdon, Cambridge and Oxford.

To support Claire's challenge, text "LEGS60 £3" to 70070, to donate £3.

Donate online at:

www.justgiving.com/ Claire-lomas

Video: Stars lead cheers for Claire at finish


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